Benjamin retires as Port of Oakland director

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Benjamin

The Port of Oakland said Monday that Omar Benjamin, executive director, has retired, effective immediately.
Benjamin, who had served as executive director since February 2007, leaves the agency amid an investigation over expense reimbursement, practices and policies by the port's outside counsel.
Last month the port said "in the wake of a series of public records requests, one
specific expenditure has come to light, a 2008 receipt for approximately
$4,500 from a strip club. The nature of the venue is not evident from
the receipt, which was for a business called 'D. Houston, Inc.,' which
turns out to be the corporate name for Treasures Strip Club in Houston."
After the receipt was uncovered, Benjamin and Maritime Director James Kwon were put on administrative leave and Deborah Ale Fint was named acting executive director.
The port said its commissioners would discuss additional developments regarding policies and oversight at its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Nov. 15. - Chris Dupin